Published: June 28, 2008 12:11 pm            

Bill Stafford

Funeral services for Bill Stafford, 80, Locust Grove, are Saturday,

June 28, 11 a.m., at

the First Baptist Church of Locust Grove with the Rev. Larry Downum

officiating. Burial will follow at Graham Memorial Cemetery in Pryor. Services are under the direction of Key Funeral Home of Locust Grove.

Stafford was born

May 16, 1928, in Vinson to James Bailey and Myrtle Elsie (Marler) Stafford. He died June 25, at home in Locust Grove.

He grew up and attended school in Checotah. He moved to Locust Grove his junior year of high school. He worked in his brother’s grocery store before going to work for John Deere. He married Norma Jean Hendrix on May 18, 1950, in Bentonville, Ark. The couple made their home in Locust Grove. He worked for John Deere, later Nipak, for 30 years. He and Norma owned and operated Stafford Auto Sales from 1979 until they retired in 2006. He loved spending time with

children, especially his

grandchildren. He was a people person and enjoyed making people laugh. He loved to fish and hunt and enjoyed all kinds of sports. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Locust Grove. He was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of Covey Lodge 460 for 56 years.

He is survived by his wife, Norma, of the home; one son, Tony Stafford, Tulsa; one daughter, Teresa Gregory and husband, Gerald, Locust Grove; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers and two sisters.

Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 27, at Key Funeral Home of Locust Grove. Friends may leave online condolences for the

family at www.keyfuneralhome.com.

        

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